OUR HISTORY
The mission of the Community Chaplaincy is to reconcile ex-offenders with themselves and the community.
The Moncton Community Chaplaincy began its community service in 1980 as a Friday evening drop in program to assist ex-offenders in filling leisure time with study and fellowship that would prevent ex-offenders from involving themselves in past, unhealthy conduct. As a Dorchester Penitentiary Chaplain and pioneer in prison aftercare, Rev. Pierre Allard and his wife Judy also opened their home and recruited volunteers to help.
The Chaplaincy Ministry then grew from meeting spiritual, social, recreational, and relational needs to a truly street level ministry with a team of Chaplains partnered with the Christian Council for Reconciliation. In 1985 the Moncton Community Chaplaincy was incorporated and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors appointed from the local and faith community. Chaplaincy work is supported through monetary donations from community churches and individuals; and is also supported by the Mennonite Central Committee.
During the Chaplaincy’s long history, they have been housed in several different locations throughout the city of Moncton NB, purchasing a building in 2002 at 75 Gordon St., Moncton NB. The initial vision of the Community Chaplaincy in Moncton was to be a support for ex-offenders as they transitioned back into the community; to be there for them, to be channels of God’s grace and mercy and to walk with them toward a relationship with their faith and family.
Although there have been many changes over the years with locale, programs and services; their mission remains the same to reconcile ex-offenders with hope, themselves, and their community. We continue to believe that the Moncton Community Chaplaincy is but an extension of the local community and in many cases, local faith communities.
The Community Chaplaincy continues to strive for the reconciliation of ex-offenders by following Restorative Justice principles. We thank God for the many blessings the Chaplaincy has received as a ministry and for the privilege of serving those we serve.
